Toronto Islands - Caution with over zealous school emloyee

[Anonymous]

Copy sent to councillor_mcconnell@toronto.ca, school board and Toronto Parks


Good evening.

Yesterday my friend and I were accosted and embarrassed as we walked along on Centre Island.

As we walked along on the grass about 50 feet from the main south road through Centre a school teacher or who ever stopped us and told us that we were trespassing on school property and also that we were not allowed to photograph the school ( we both had binoculars and were looking at Purple Martins above the Martin house at the school ).

What I want to know is when did the PUBLIC PARK LAND about 150 yards from the school become private ( un-posted ) property ?? If this is now private when did this happen and if it is why is it not fenced like all other schools in Toronto ??

If it is not PRIVATE PROPERTY then someone should inform the staff at the school. It was a very embarrassing encounter for my friend and she was quite upset.

Norm Murr
Richmond Hill, ON

PS

The naked men and thier trolling friends are still INFESTING the dunes right down to Gibralter Point opposite the Trout Pond and up the beach behind the airfield.

[Andrew McKinley]

Urban birding certainly has its 'highlights' sometimes...

[norman]

Keep after the bureaucrats -- they'll most certainly fob you off on other "management" types, but once in a while, you get a human.

Re the school thing: Sounds like another bitter, insignificant cell colony who might be enlightened by someone with a little less patience with self-important, little people than you have ... your composure under such circumstances is remarkable.

As for the beach you described and its current inhabitants, I don't give a hoot if it's "politically incorrect" or whatever they're calling it these days, but I've always held the notion that excessive displays of public affection between adults of any inclination is just tacky -- get professional help, or get a room. Get both, if you like. For that matter get professional help in a room, with clown outfits and a polka trio. Just stay out of my sightlines. Thank you.

Seeing more redstarts than I expected so far (same all over?), and haven't seen so many white-crowned sparrows (mats of them, and such a nice, lazy little jingle) in more than a decade.

The next ten days or so are going to be soooooooo interesting -- no "SuperWave" this year, I guess, but after the rain stops, The Buick Wildcat's in for a tune-up, and she's got the Bushnell Customs under her pillow.

Cheers,

--nb

[Anonymous]

Note:- Underlined words were done by me.

From: "Methven, Lorraine"


Hello
There are two schools on our site.  I'm not sure if the person who you
spoke with was from the Day School or the Science School.  I will copy
this to the Site supervisor of the Science School.

I would like to provide a context for you so  you might understand
better our situation.  We have many tourists who walk along the road
closest to the water.  There have been numerous occasions where these
adults try to speak with our children and take their pictures.  Perhaps
their intention is innocent but as a school, we cannot allow any adult
to engage in a conversation or take pictures. .  We also have adults who
try to come into our school to use the washrooms and/or water fountains.
As well, we have recently had several of our students accosted by a man
exposing himself and urinating in front of them.  This was extremely
upsetting for our children.

I know this was not your experience but given this context, I hope you
understand that we do not intentionally send people away but we are
always vigilant in watching that our children are safe.  Unfortunately,
we don't have a fence around our school yard and our children are
allowed to play in the large park area in front. The Board of Education
and the City of Toronto have an agreement for the school to use the park
area as part of our playground.   We ask that adults not be among the
children when they are outside playing.  We have on occasion asked
adults to use the road as a way to pass by.  This ensures the safety of
our children.  We have never had anyone question our wishes or
intentions.  Everyone wants to ensure children are safe.

Given this age of technology, photographs of children can be used in
ways that victimize them and so we as a school and board of education do
not permit pictures anywhere there might be children.

So in response to your question, this is not private property but we
have many children who need to be safe.  We must always be aware of who
is around and try to communicate this to the tourists who we share the
park with.

Lorraine Methven
Principal
=================================================================
Ms Methven

Thank you for your quick reply.

  I do feel that the person over reacted. First there were no children
within 100 yards of where we were walking and in fact there were very few
out at all as it was after lunch time and second we were carrying binoculars
and not cameras.

 I fully understand why you do not want anyone walking near the children and
when they are out there on the public park land I do not walk among them nor
do I ever engage any of them in conversation. I am a father and I would not
want anything less than that your staff are constantly vigilant.

  One of my concerns was that we were told in no uncertain terms that the
park land was private property and she used the words " You are not
permitted to photograph the school". The children were not mentioned though
we as concerned adults fully realize that walking among those children would
be very unwise on our part and should be perceived as a danger to them if we
did so, we did not nor would we.

  Perhaps your staff should be better informed about how they should
confront the public and maybe more effort ( by the authorities ) should be
put into controlling or eliminating the potential danger to the children
that exists not so far away among the dunes. The area attracts a sick group
of men that where it is not at all a very far walk to the area of the
children. Complaining to the city counsel thus far has done nothing to stop
that aspect.

Norm Murr
Richmond Hill, ON